According to Korean media The Elec, Samsung Display and LG Display, two-panel companies, have not ordered the key equipment required for the 8th generation production line, and the entire construction work has been running for at least one year. time.
According to the previous plan, Apple’s OLED panel iPad launched next year will use the existing 6th generation OLED production line; and the subsequent MacBook products will use the 8th generation production line, which will further increase production capacity and cost-effectiveness.
The report pointed out that due to the significant decline in Mac sales, the two Korean panel companies seemed hesitant to build the 8th generation OLED production line, worrying that the investment would not be able to obtain sufficient profit returns.
Apple reported in its most recent quarterly earnings call that Mac revenue fell sharply year-over-year, from $10.4 billion to $7.2 billion. Last fiscal quarter, Mac revenue also fell to $7.7 billion, compared with $10.9 billion in the same period last year.
Since OLED displays in MacBooks will likely only increase selling prices, display panel suppliers reportedly believe Apple will inevitably try to lower unit prices.
Samsung said in April that it plans to spend 4.1 trillion won to build an 8th-generation OLED panel production line in 2026; LG Display is already at a loss, and it is difficult to do so without Apple’s guaranteed order. out of the decision to invest in the 8th generation.
